In his Democracy Day speech on Sunday, President Muhammadu Buhari explained why the annual commemoration was moved from May 29 to June 12 by his government.
According to Buhari, Democracy Day was revisited to remind Nigerians of MKO Abiola’s annulled free and fair election.
The president went on to say that the annulment of the election deprives Nigerians of their rights and freedom of choice.
President Buhari Reveals Why He Made June 12 Democracy Day
He emphasized the importance of Nigerians remembering the sacrifices made by the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy in 1993.
Buhari in his statement said, “From 1999, we consistently celebrated Democracy Day to mark the end of military rule and the return of power and control into the hands of those freely elected by the people. On this day, Nigerians recommit themselves to ensuring we protect and preserve the ideals of democracy.
“In 2018, we moved Democracy Day from the 29th of May to the 12th of June. This change was to remind all Nigerians of one free election after which the presumed winner along with Nigerians was denied their rights and their choice.
“On June 12th 1993, Nigerians saw the best in our citizens as we all went out to vote peacefully. By June 24th 1993, we also saw the worst of our leadership as the elections were annulled.
UPDATE: All Buhari Said In His June 12, 2021 Democracy Day Speech
“We must never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy during 1993.”
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